School transport - student behaviour guidelines

The behaviour of the majority of students on transport is generally good and does not cause concern. However, from time to time, the behaviour of a minority of pupils is unacceptable.

We are committed to working in partnership with drivers, passenger assistants, students and their parents, as well as schools and colleges, to resolve any behavioural issues.

Your safety is very important to us; when travelling to and from school or college, whether you get there by school bus, taxi or public transport, you should always behave responsibly and follow the student behaviour guidelines.

If you do not follow these guidelines, we, along with your school or college can take action against you. This may result in you being suspended from transport or excluded from school.

Your responsibility whilst travelling

Always behave well and respect others, including drivers and passenger assistants
Always respect the property of others and never damage or vandalise the vehicle
Never eat, drink or drop litter on the vehicle, including chewing gum
Always carry your bus pass (if provided with one) and show it on inspection
Never throw anything in the vehicle or out of the windows
Never use offensive language, e.g. swearing or racism
Never smoke on the vehicle, including e-cigarettes
Always be punctual - arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled time
Always obey the law

Your safety whilst travelling

Always follow the instructions of the driver or passenger assistant
Never distract the driver
Keep noise to a reasonable level
Always wear a seatbelt (if one is available)
Never get on or off the vehicle unless it has stopped
Stay in your seat at all times on a school bus or taxi, or find a seat if one is available on public transport
Wait sensibly for the vehicle to arrive, enter/exit the vehicle carefully without pushing
Cross the road safely
Do not block the aisle or other seats with your belongings and take them with you when you leave
Never misuse the emergency exits
If there is an accident, follow the driver’s instructions
Make an agreement with your parent or guardian about what to do if you miss the bus

Your rights whilst travelling

To be safe at all times
To be treated fairly and with respect
To never be bullied or picked on

Please tell your parent or guardian, teacher, driver or passenger assistant if someone or something is causing you or someone else problems.

Action taken

We will investigate all incidents reported to us.

For most first offences, we send a warning letter. Continued failure of students to adhere to reasonable requests for improved behaviour will result in the following suspensions.

These lists are not exhaustive.

One-day transport ban

Offensive language
Not complying with driver or passenger assistant instructions
Eating or drinking or littering on the vehicle, including chewing gum
Taking another person’s things without their permission
Failure to show your bus pass when asked

Three-day transport ban

Distracting the driver
Not wearing a seatbelt when one is available
Smoking on the vehicle, including e-cigarettes
Lack of consideration to members of the public
When a one-day ban has already been actioned

One-week transport ban

Fighting or bullying
Throwing things on or out of the vehicle
Misuse of the emergency exits
Vandalism of the vehicle – see information below**
When a three-day ban has already been actioned

**Vandalism to the vehicle will be reported to the police as criminal damage and parents / carers will be responsible for any costs incurred to repair the damage to the vehicle.

Continued misbehaviour may result in a longer suspension or permanent exclusion from home to school transport. During a suspension or exclusion, parents or guardians remain responsible for ensuring you attend school at their own cost and convenience. We will not make alternative arrangements.

Further advice

Please contact the Passenger Transport Operations Team if you leave any belongings in the school transport vehicle. You can also contact the transport operator directly.

Phone: 01733 317455 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays).